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John Craw - Parish Assistant (retired), Caithness

For the last six plus years my Pauline and I have been living and working in Caithness, prior to this we were in the mighty and busy city of Inverness. Originally we came from Dundee and Bellshill near Glasgow (nae difference).

Life in Caithness is different; it passes by at a pace that you can at times choose yourself, at other times the people and the activities going on around you dictate the pace.

Perhaps an explanation is required, well you know, when you visit people they stop what they are doing and give you their time leaving whatever to a later time. Sometimes though when you visit folks they are lambing or dipping or shearing or bringing in the harvest, so you meet the folk where they are and may need your wellies! There are, of course, show days where everyone attends showing of their animals, baking, flower displays with the social tea tent and beer tent.

Weddings and funerals are very well attended with support being given by all the neighbours. People are very generous in their giving financially and in practical ways especially at times of need.

For Pauline and I being part of the wider community and being involved is important, without telling folk what to do but rather listening to their traditions and becoming part of that making changes that are agreeable to all concerned.

Travel is an issue, we need to plan our days away; no just jumping on a bus and away you go, trains are not all that frequent either. Now and again there are power cuts but apart from that life is very enjoyable.

The communities are changing as people come in from other parts of the UK and the wider world. Change is slow but rewarding when lots of folk are involved.

We are intending staying here in Caithness even after I retire, in fact I often half heartedly joke that my next move will be into the local cemetery although I am sure we will be here the rest of our lives.

Go on have a look, you know you’ll enjoy it!